Nope - A Movie Review

Is it just me, or has that cloud been in the same spot for six months?

Nope is a 2022 film. Siblings who are living on a solitary ranch experience uncanny events. Noticing peculiar spectacles in the sky, OJ and Emerald install cameras in the yard to figure out what is happening.

Avoiding all trailers and any details that could spoil my watch, I walked into Nope expecting the unexpected. Nope is a unique horror film. It offers something new. While it is a film that keeps you thinking, some layers deserved more focus. One segment didn’t work in the movie entirely, deriving a completely different horror atmosphere.

Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer are tremendous. Both actors have had excellent careers, garnering stronger acting techniques. The pair worked off one another very well, instilling an engaging bond.

OJ and Emerald have very contrasting personalities. One is reserved while the other is outspoken and energetic. That’s siblings for you. Kaluuya did an outstanding job with OJ’s reserved behavior bearing little emotion.

Palmer’s erratic and goofy personality had everyone laughing in the theater. It’s good to see that Palmer has expanded as an actress since her role on True Jackson V.P. I laughed at every single one of her deliveries. According to the director, Emerald’s intro scene was shot 14 times because Palmer did it differently each time.

Part of me wished that OJ and Emerald were the only characters. The supporting cast is great, adding comedic levity, but some characters were not necessary. Credits include Brandon Perea, Michael Wincott, Steven Yeun, Wrenn Schmidt, Devon Graye, and a short appearance by Keith David.

The one part of Nope that did not make sense in the atmosphere of this film was Ricky’s (Steven Yeun) backstory. It’s a completely different film! While it does connect with the events of the narrative in the middle, we didn’t need this story.

The segment involving a deranged chimp was the most disturbing part of the film. Nope is already about one thing and it’s sci-fi. Sci-fi and real horror don’t mesh together.

I really cannot say too much about Nope. It’s a film that you should see with fresh eyes. Jordan Peele has a knack for horror, specifically unique themes to the genre.

Visually, this film incorporates resonant cinematography and camera edits. It makes you pay attention to every little detail. Designs for one major creation were shaped by an otherworldly innovation. Arguably, it was eerie and bizarre at the same time.

For the scene that involved a chimp, Terry Notary acted out the movements until special effects used CGI for the final film. The CGI was noticeable.

It’s the story that falls flat. Nope was long, losing my interest close to the end. Peele tried too hard at the bizarreness, thus losing its magic. He could have explained details (specifically the sci-fi elements) more thoroughly.

I will give the film credit for its tension buildup. With the soundtrack, camera angles, and ambiguity, I was on the edge of my seat. Be cautious as the chimpanzee scene is very unsettling. I looked away. It could be triggering for audiences who have had relevant experiences.

My favorite part about watching Nope was the audience reaction in the theater. A large group of people sat in the row behind me. I loved their reactions! In a mix of hysterical laughter (mainly at Emerald’s dialogue) they eagerly prepared for jump scares.

Go see Nope in theaters. It may not be for everyone, but you won’t be able to get it off your mind.